Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue located on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the foot’s arch. Plantar fasciitis is the term for inflammation of that tissue. It occurs when the plantar fascia is overused or overstretched. It can become very painful and make any weight-bearing activity, such as walking or running, more difficult.

Indicators of plantar fasciitis are pain when weight bearing or taking first steps in the morning, after standing or sitting, or when climbing stairs or doing activities such as running. It occurs most frequently in runners, those with sudden weight gain, foot or arch problems (i.e. flat feet or high arches), tight Achilles tendons (the tendon located in back of the ankle) or from wearing inadequately supportive footwear.

Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition seen a great deal at Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, where we employ manual therapy to relieve pain and scar tissue and to stimulate fascia healing. Home education includes specific stretching exercises, behavior modification and footwear advice.